Triage center, shelter replacement, to open in Worcester today

WORCESTER - A dedication ceremony this morning will mark the opening of the Greater Worcester Housing Connection Triage and Assessment Center at 25 Queen St.

The South Middlesex Opportunity Council has overseen construction and management of the property, which will serve as the entry point for formerly homeless people into a system of supported housing and care. According to SMOC, the $3.2 million center will provide short-term housing for 25 people and 15 units of supported housing for more stable people who are prepared to move toward more independent living.

The opening of the new center will coincide with the closing of the current triage center, which has operated more than a year at the former People in Peril shelter at 701 Main St.

The ceremony, from 10:30 a.m. to noon today, will include Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray; Aaron Gornstein, undersecretary of the state Department of Housing and Community Development; City Manager Michael V. O'Brien; SMOC Executive Director James T. Cuddy; District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera; and United Way of Central Massachusetts President Timothy Garvin.